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Getting to Koh Tao & Around

Koh Tao is a boat-only island, no airport, no bridge. Everyone arrives by ferry. Once on the island, scooters cover the rest. This is the practical guide.

The Getting Overview

What this guide covers

Getting to Koh Tao is part of the adventure. Since the island does not have an airport, all travellers arrive by sea, which adds to its character. Once you are there, getting around is straightforward, whether you choose taxis, scooters, or boats.

This page covers transport in Koh Tao end-to-end, how to reach the island, ferry options, local transport, and nearby island travel.

4 Sections

Every part of the page

Each section below covers a distinct topic. Click in or scroll through, the structure follows how most travellers actually plan their day.

Mainland to Island01
Section 01 / 04

Getting to Koh Tao

The most common way to reach Koh Tao is by ferry. Since there is no airport on the island, travellers usually combine flights, trains, or buses with ferry services. Most visitors arrive from Bangkok, Surat Thani, or Chumphon. The journey is flight or train to the mainland, transfer to a ferry port, ferry ride to Mae Haad pier on Koh Tao.

The most reliable combo is the overnight train from Bangkok to Chumphon plus the morning Lomprayah catamaran. You sleep on the train and arrive in Koh Tao before lunch. Direct bus-and-ferry combos are cheaper but longer. Ferries also connect Koh Tao with Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Bangkok via combined tickets.

Best for: planning your route end-to-end from Bangkok or Phuket.

Read more on getting here
Section 02 / 04

Ferry Guide 2026

The ferry guide is essential for planning your trip, since ferries are the only way to reach the island. Three main operators (Lomprayah, Seatran Discovery, Songserm) run regular services from Chumphon, Surat Thani, Koh Samui, and Koh Phangan to Mae Haad pier on Koh Tao.

Fares from 600 THB Chumphon (1h 45m on Lomprayah catamaran) up to 700 THB from Surat Thani (3h 30m to 4h via Donsak). 12Go is the easiest way to compare schedules and book live inventory. Booking 24 to 48 hours in advance during peak season is recommended.

Best for: comparing operators, finding the right route, monsoon-season planning.

Open the Ferry Guide 2026
Onto the Boat02
On the Island03
Section 03 / 04

Getting Around

Once you arrive at Mae Haad, getting around is simple. Scooters are the most popular option, full flexibility to reach beaches, viewpoints, and hidden spots at your own pace, from 200 THB a day. Roads can be winding and uneven though, drive carefully and always wear a helmet.

Pickup-truck taxis (songthaews) operate on shared or negotiated fares, around 100 to 200 THB per hop within the island. Longtail boats reach more remote bays not accessible by road. In central areas like Sairee and Mae Haad, walking covers most things.

Best for: scooter renters, taxi-budgeters, longtail-curious travellers.

More on getting around
Section 04 / 04

Nearby Islands

Koh Tao is well connected to other islands. Koh Nang Yuan is the closest and most popular nearby island, famous for its sandbar and viewpoint, around 100 THB entry fee, easy half-day trip from Mae Haad.

Koh Phangan, the Full Moon Party island, is 1 to 1.5 hours away with frequent ferries from 400 THB. Koh Samui is the larger neighbour, resorts, shopping, and Samui airport (USM), 1.5 to 2 hours by ferry from 600 THB.

Best for: combining Koh Tao with Phangan or Samui, sandbar day trips.

Read the Koh Nang Yuan guide
Island Hopping04
FAQ

Frequently asked questions

The questions travellers ask us most before they arrive.

How do you get to Koh Tao?
By ferry from mainland Thailand or nearby islands. The most reliable combo from Bangkok is the overnight train to Chumphon plus a morning Lomprayah catamaran to Mae Haad.
Is there an airport in Koh Tao?
No. Koh Tao does not have an airport. Travellers arrive by ferry. Closest airports are Chumphon (CJM), Surat Thani (URT), or Koh Samui (USM), all with ferry connections to Koh Tao.
How do you get around Koh Tao?
Scooters are the most popular option from 200 THB a day. Songthaew pickups handle shared trips and negotiated fares. Longtail boats reach the remote bays. In Sairee and Mae Haad, walking works.
Which islands are near Koh Tao?
Koh Nang Yuan (closest, 15-minute longtail), Koh Phangan (1 to 1.5 hours by ferry), and Koh Samui (1.5 to 2 hours by ferry, with USM airport).
next step

Book your ferry

Live fares across Lomprayah, Seatran Discovery and Songserm. Every origin to Mae Haad pier, one checkout.

Check fares on 12Go